Martik wrote:

I also noticed the crown/wash is in need of repair, what kind of mortar
should I use?

S- Mortar.

As someone mentioned, get a stainless steel chimney cap. Get the
chimney inspected by someone who knows what they are doing.

Try to burn a few fires every winter to help dry out the interior. Buy
a product called CHEM-STOP at a local masonary supply store (there are
several different types, buy the one that will work on chimney bricks)
and "paint" the exterior of your chimney with toward the end of your
"dry season" each year.